So the conventional thought process coming into the season was teams needed 54 points or so to make the playoffs. (92 in 82games, 54 in 48games)

By that logic, Caps would need 33 points in their last 25 games. Do we really see this flawed team doing that?

14-6-5 would get 33pts. Think about that.

This team can only lose 6 or so more games this year in regulation to make the playoffs. If its 55 or 56 points to get there, then that becomes even harder.

Season is over guys.

Leonsis will come out and say "We are obviously very disappointed, as we expected to make a long run in the playoffs. The Lock Out was especially damaging for us, as we didnt get a chance to gel and learn the new systems. George and I were just talking about that....we really didnt have a chance this year. I now expect us to play competitive, playoff style hockey the rest of the way, and we will have good momentum for next season. At least, that's what George thinks should happen"

Blah Blah Blah.

Even the most rose coloured Pollyanna's cant think the Caps can make the playoffs. Caps dont have an RG3 on the roster to spark a remarkable resurrection.

Until they're eliminated it's not over. If this was 20 games in, I might agree at least...but this team has the talent to turn it around. However if Ovechkin can't revive his career, they're done.

We're 20% through the season, and there are 6 teams between us and a playoff spot, all of which have played fewer games. Regardless of whether or not we could turn things around and squeak into the playoffs, how does doing so benefit the Caps in any way?

We're 20% through the season, and there are 6 teams between us and a playoff spot, all of which have played fewer games. Regardless of whether or not we could turn things around and squeak into the playoffs, how does doing so benefit the Caps in any way?

The goal is to at least make the playoffs every year. Anyone has a punchers chance once you're in.

The goal is to at least make the playoffs every year. Anyone has a punchers chance once you're in.

Then you risk turning into the Calgary Flames. If we don't look good, there's no point in lying to ourselves about "maybe" making the playoffs.... especially when the draft is as good as it is this year AND the season is short.

As far as making the playoffs go, yes. I think it is. They're still only four points back but I really don't see the necessary backbone or resiliency. Fundamentally they're just not a good hockey team. On top of that they're a walk in the park to play against and the hardest part of their schedule is yet to come.

They do have a lot of time off this month to ramp up their systems execution in practice but color me skeptical on this group even being capable of doing that. I don't see the horses up front and even if they did that would only put them on par with where respectable hockey teams already are.